TIRANA, Albania — Journalist Almer Toska has launched strong accusations against former Deputy Prime Minister Belinda Balluku and Albania’s justice system, questioning why the Special Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SPAK) has not requested her arrest despite the criminal allegations against her.
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Displaying Qirko’s photograph during the broadcast, Toska claimed that her previous role in the vetting process raises questions about the independence and impartiality of the justice system now dealing with her sister’s case.
Toska questions possible conflicts of interest
“Kjo është Pamela Qirko, motra e Ballukut. Kjo ka bërë vettingun e të gjithë prokurorëve dhe gjyqtarëve që janë sot në sistem,” Toska declared, arguing that the family connection deserves scrutiny.
His comments raise questions about whether any potential conflicts of interest have been examined. However, the fact that Qirko participated in the vetting process does not, by itself, establish that she influenced the handling of Balluku’s investigation.
“Veliaj is in prison, Balluku is free”
Toska also compared Balluku’s situation with that of Tirana Mayor Erion Veliaj, who is being held in pretrial detention.
“If an ordinary citizen had as many accusations as Balluku, they would be in prison today. Veliaj has accusations and is behind bars. Meanwhile, nothing happens to Balluku,” the journalist said.
He questioned what he described as different standards in the treatment of senior political figures by the justice system.
€1.2 billion and questions over SPAK's decision
Another major issue raised by Toska was his claim that €1.2 billion is missing from the state budget as a result of Balluku's actions.
He challenged SPAK to explain why it had not submitted a request to Parliament for authorization to arrest the former deputy prime minister.
“SPAK should have sent Parliament a request to arrest Balluku. Why isn't she in prison?” Toska asked, adding that she had allegedly gained influence over Prime Minister Edi Rama and the justice system.
Allegations of spying on SPAK prosecutors
Toska also made a serious allegation, claiming that Balluku had monitored SPAK prosecutors for two years and that the activity had been uncovered by intelligence services.
He did not present supporting documents for this claim during the television appearance.
The journalist's statements have brought renewed attention to questions surrounding Balluku's legal case, the handling of requests for restrictive measures and the independence of Albania's justice institutions.
The allegations remain Toska's claims and should not be confused with judicial findings. The central question raised by his interview is whether SPAK will publicly clarify its decisions and the legal grounds for the measures taken in Balluku's case.